For over 40 years, the concept of Whole Brain learning has fueled my passion for Tellington TTouch. Since the inception of the circular TTouches, in Delaware in 1983, I have been captivated by how this method activates both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing learning, awareness, and connection. This technique is particularly valuable in horse training, as it fosters communication and trust between horse and handler.
My fascination with brain hemispheres began in 1974 at a workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Led by Robert Monroe, the founder of the Monroe Institute—a research organization dedicated to exploring human consciousness—the event included a study by Dr. Russell Targ, then director of the Stanford Research Institute. Among 40 participants tested, I was surprised to learn that my brain functioned in one of the most balanced ways, showing near-equal engagement of both hemispheres.
Curious about what stimulates this balanced activation, I delved into Betty Edwards’ classic book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I discovered that the left hemisphere governs logic, structure, and methodical thinking, while the right hemisphere specializes in creativity, visualization, movement, and artistic expression. This understanding deepened my awareness of how TTouch might facilitate whole-brain learning, a concept that aligns with HeartMath’s research on coherence and emotional regulation.
Anna Wise & Biofeedback
In 1984, this interest resurfaced when Anna Wise, founder of the Boulder Biofeedback Institute, attended one of my TTouch demonstrations with horses. She requested to measure my brainwaves and found that I exhibited unusually active theta waves at rest and entered the “Awakened Mind State” while applying the Basic TTouch Circle. This pattern, indicating harmonious activation of both hemispheres, intrigued her. Eager to explore whether other TTouch practitioners shared this experience, she conducted the first of four studies over 25 years.
The initial study took place at Joder Arabian Ranch near Boulder, Colorado. Using the EEG-based Mind Mirror program, we measured brain activity in TTouch students during a weeklong workshop. The results were remarkable: every participant exhibited activation in both hemispheres while performing the TTouch Circle. More experienced students displayed a distinct Awakened Mind State pattern. These findings suggested that TTouch may naturally promote whole-brain activation, which is beneficial in both human development and horse training. Images from this research can be viewed at www.Annawise.com.
Supporting Whole Brain Learning
Even without formal studies, there is a logical explanation for how the Basic TTouch Circle supports Whole Brain learning. The technique incorporates visualization and numerical awareness, engaging both hemispheres simultaneously. When visualizing the face of a clock—a core aspect of TTouch—the right hemisphere is stimulated, enhancing intuition, compassion, and emotional awareness. Meanwhile, mentally assigning numbers to specific positions (such as 6, 9, 12, and 3) activates the left hemisphere, reinforcing logical and structured thinking. This aligns with HeartMath techniques, which focus on the balance between cognitive and emotional states to achieve optimal performance.
The synergy of logic with intuition, structure with creativity, and method with compassion forms a powerful combination for learning and development. As TTouch continues to evolve, I hold the intention that further research will substantiate its profound impact on Whole Brain learning, HeartMath principles, and the effectiveness of horse training.